It’s What Makes a Subaru a Subaru: Subaru Technologies that Improve Fuel Economy – Part 1

Lightweight

Besides shape, weight is one of the prime obstacles to good fuel economy. It takes more power – and, hence, more fuel – to start up a heavy vehicle than a light one and to keep it at speed. Perhaps you’ve noticed the difference in mileage between driving an empty car and one loaded with passengers and cargo. Even the difference of 100 pounds can affect fuel economy.

In order to maintain low curb weights and reduce them wherever possible, Subaru uses technologies in its vehicle bodies and mechanical features that allow lower weight with increased strength. Greater proportions of high tensile strength steel are employed in all Subaru bodies, and strong, lightweight metals are used in components throughout the model lineup.

In addition, lightweight unit-body structures are the foundation for Impreza, Legacy, Outback, and Forester models. These same models have window glass of reduced thickness.

Measures taken under the hood reduce weight, too. All Subaru engines have aluminum-alloy blocks and cylinder heads and all Subaru transmissions have aluminum-alloy cases. Not only does this construction reduce overall weight, it helps to improve the front/rear balance of the vehicle for improved handling. The engines’ pistons have a lightweight design, and the intake manifolds are made of resin, which also contributes to weight reduction.

Notice that we’ve only lightly touched upon engines and transmissions. We’ll have more to say about them in the Winter 2012 issue, in which we’ll present additional ways in which Subaru vehicles are built to achieve good fuel economy. In Part Two, we’ll look at vehicle design and how components and systems are engineered to function efficiently.

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charges, tax, title and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling
and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options,
features and models subject to change without notice.

** EPA-estimated fuel economy. Actual mileage may vary.

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